My friend Wanda told me about a few places to visit along the coast by Santa Cruz California so off I went. She’s got great taste so I alway trust her recommendations. And alas, she was right, Wisteria will make you feel like you’re touring the French countryside. You’ll tour a home built in 1914 filled with French antiques, and incredible gifts with a French flare. If you’re near Santa Cruz this is a must see!
Here’s the address: 5870 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 841.462.2900
Just a quick Tuesday escape to Monterey Bay Harbor by the Fisherman’s Wharf… Enjoy!
Since my trip to Death Valley was a last minute adventure, I figured out where to stay while parked on an off-ramp, about 3 hours outside of Death Valley. I urge everyone to change your mind when traveling. Why go home when you can keep driving and see something new? If you have the time – than I say go go go. There are a few places to stay in Death Valley, but not many. The first place I called was The Inn at Furnace Creek which is a four diamond AAA hotel. Very nice, but expensive. They told me there was a sister property (and a more casual) about a mile down the road called The Ranch at Furnace Creek. If you read my earlier post where I describe my fashionista tendencies when traveling – a wardrobe that consists of holy jeans, men’s white t-shirts and sneakers, I figured casual might be a little better. Besides, I’m in Death Valley – one of the only places where boots and heels just don’t make sense. With that said, I skidded out of the fancy schmancy place and drove over to The Ranch. The second I drove up, I knew this is where I wanted to stay.
First, not only is it a hotel/ranch, there’s a General Store, gas burning fire pits out front, a few restaurants and a Salon. Everything you need in one place. Oh, and they have horses you can ride. The Ranch has been in operation since 1933 – and here is what their website says about this charming place to stay: “Hear the clatter of horse-drawn wagons as they roll through the Ranch and bring you back to the Old West. Stop off at the Corkscrew Saloon for a cool drink and a game of darts. Ride a horse, take a hike or challenge your kids to a game of horseshoes. Visit the General Store for a quick snack and some great gifts. Check out the antique stagecoaches, mining tools and steam locomotive at the Borax Museum. As you wander around the western-themed grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1800’s when this site was established as a working ranch. Yet, you’ll enjoy the amenities of modern civilization, like quiet, recently refurbished rooms, tennis courts, a children’s playground and the National Park Service Visitor’s Center – which is just a stone’s throw away.”
There is also a spring fed swimming pool, the world’s lowest golf course (214 feet below sea level) I stayed in one of the standard rooms and loved it. They also have cabins and deluxe rooms.
The other part I really enjoyed was the antique outdoor museum with carridges (some photos are below).
After watching the sunset I got back to my room around 7:30. From there I could walk up to the restaurants, have dinner, walk around the General Store and head back to my room.
Another quick note – the stars were AMAZING that night. (So if you’re there, don’t forget to look up!) For more information on The Furnace Creek Resorts: http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/lodging-295.html
Death Valley Road Trip! http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/10/death-valley-road-trip/
Death Valley CA Overview & Travel Tips: http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/18/death-valley-ca-travel-tips/
Death Valley Road Trip: Ghost Towns and a Sunset: http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/10/death-valley-road-trip-ghost-towns-and-a-sunset/
Death Valley: Dantes View: http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/19/death-valley-dantes-view/
Death Valley: Zabriskie Point: http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/23/death-valley-zabriskie-point/
Death Valley: Badwater, Lowest Pt in N. America: http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/24/death-valley-badwater-lowest-pt-in-n-america/
If you love salt like I do…then Badwater is the place to go. Also, it’s the lowest point in North America – 282 feet below sea level to be exact.
To get to Badwater you take a back road that is located off 190. You won’t have any cell phone reception and you’ll feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere. In fact, I’m not even sure I saw a car the entire time I was driving (until I reached the parking lot). The scenery is beautiful, mountains, desert, and then, stretching out in front of you is this vast white ocean of salt. It’s quite spectacular. As you pull into the parking lot you’ll see a small “pond” of water and a wooden deck.
Here is a photo a little closer:
I thought that was pretty cool, but what was even more impressive was over to the left of the observation deck. Where it stops, you’ll see people walking out over the packed down layers of salt. (photo below)
So how did they come up with the name Badwater? The early travelers came across a spring. I’m sure it was a scorcher and everyone was thirsty. They say the horses wouldn’t drink the water which is when they discovered it was a thick, salty liquid. Obviously undrinkable, they gave the area its name – Badwater. Badwater is about 18 miles south of Furnace Creek where I stayed. Also, if you remember our trip to Dante’s View where I showed you the vast ocean of salt beds that stretch out in front of you. Badwater is included in part of that view. http://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/19/death-valley-dantes-view/
When you are driving back, you can take a one-way road called Artists Drive. I did a really stupid thing and I had 3/4 of a tank gas when I headed off to Badwater (badgirl!) I was pretty sure I had enough gas to drive along Artists Drive, but in Death Valley, you don’t want to take chance. So here’s a quick tip. Anytime you see a gas station, fill up. Regardless of how much gas you have. There are only very few places to get gas and an 18 mile drive can take an hour.
Next I’ll show you where I stayed – Yes, we’re off to the Ranch!
A couple of quick tips: First, bring a hat. Second, consider wearing a light, long sleeved shirt to keep your skin protected. I know everyone loves the look of a Coppertone tan but bronzer can be just as nice (and your skin will stay younger looking…longer) Seriously, you don’t want to mess around with the intensity of the sun in Death Valley. It’s harsh!
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If you’d like to purchase a print to remind you of this beautiful area, please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
©2013 Shelley D Spray – No content on this site (including all photography) may be reused in any fashion without written permission from the author.
Zabriskie Point was the first place I stopped when I arrived in Death Valley. Many of the sites require you to drive down long, dusty roads to your destination. Zabriskie Point is located on the 190, in fact, you can see the parking lot from the road. Once you park, you walk up a fairly steep hill to the look-out point. It’s pretty impressive as you cast your view out over ripples and ripples of rock. I did a little research to see how these rocks were formed and here’s what I found.
In Death Valley, rainfall is extremely rare, but when it happens it’s intense. With so little vegetation (and soil), when water reaches the ground, there is nothing to absorb the rainfall. So during Death Valley’s rain showers, water hits the surface and immediately begins to rush down the steep slopes, sweeping along particles of loosened mud. The rate of erosion can be incredible! Tiny rills are quickly carved into the soft mudstone. (I had no idea but a rill is a narrow and shallow incision into topsoil layers -I should call this Teacher Girl Travels 😉 Anyway, the more water in the downpour, the more rills are needed to carry the water away. Rills cut deeper to form gullys. And that’s how you get these beautiful ripples (that’s my non-technical term).
In the photo above you can see the parking lot off in the distance. There is a bit of a hike to the top of the hill, but I honestly don’t remember it being that difficult. (Although looking at this phot my car looks like the size of an ant) I would try to visit Zabriskie Point either in the morning or at night when it’s cooler. Next we’re going to visit Badwater which is the lowest point in North America! Please Follow Me and you’ll get an email update as soon as I post it. Cheers!
If you’d like to purchase a print to remind you of this beautiful area, please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
©2013 Shelley D Spray – No content on this site (including all photography) may be reused in any fashion without written permission from the author.
The terrain in Death Valley is so dramatically different depending on which road you take. One of the sites I would highly recommend is called Dante’s View. The road that leads you to Black Mountain is just off highway 190. The first part of the drive is flat as you drive along a ribbon of road that is carved along the desert floor. As you get closer, you start gaining altitude, curving this way and that to the top of this majestic mountain. I did this drive around 7:00am, before my first cup of coffee. (Apparently coffee is an urban legend in Death Valley, before 8am) Pathetically sipping a warm diet Pepsi which I found in the back of my car I braved it to the top. When I arrived I was the only one there and it was surreal. What you see in front of you are the salt beds spanning out in front of you, which look like a vast, sparkling ocean. Quick note – although it was warm down below, it was freezing that morning – the wind was blowing and I literally thought it might blow my camera out of my hands! You may want to keep a coat or hoodie in the car just in case.
When you arrive at the top you can walk around this large parking lot and look at the views. If you’re planning your day consider the following. If it’s really hot, this is a great place to visit in the middle of the day (as it will be a lot cooler) Also, if you want the perfect place for the sunset, you should schedule this drive for later in the day (your smart phone will tell you what time the sunset is – allow for about 30-45 minutes to get from the 190 to the top of the mountain)
There was also a path that leads from the parking lot (note photo above) that would give you an even better view, if you’re brave enough to try it.
Next I’ll take you to Zabriskie Point which is absolutely beautiful. Click to follow and I’ll send you my post direct to your email.
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If you’d like to purchase a print to remind you of this beautiful area, please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.
©2013 Shelley D Spray – No content on this site (including all photography) may be reused in any fashion without written permission from the author.
